Aggregate Economic Losses from Disability in the United States: A Preliminary Assay

Abstract

Interest in particular demographic subgroups with disabilities--such as working-age adults, the elderly, and young children--obscures seeing the populations as integral elements of a broad policy issue. Calculations based on national surveys indicate that functional disability exacted an estimated total of $177 billion in aggregate economic losses in the United States in 1980. Refinements in collecting information on disability and its consequences are needed to gauge the causes and correlates of chronic activity limitations. Policy makers will otherwise find it difficult to assess the scope that disabilities pose to people, or to monitor the effect of changes in disability policy.

The labor market consequences of family illness

“…2 Aggregate economic costs resulting from disability for the United States have also been estimated but these studies do not provide familylevel impacts. 18,2 Unlike prior studies, the analysis reported in this study is general. (i) Any family member may need care due to illness or disability.…”

Prevalence of Disabilities and Associated Health Conditions—United States, 1991-1992

“…In the ICIDH, three concepts define the consequences of disease and injury: (1) impairment (i.e., the loss of psy¬ chological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function), (2) \s=dd\IADLs:ability to (1) "get around outside the home," (2) "keep track ofmoney and bills," (3) "prepare meals," 3).4 The findings in this report indicate that, since NHANES II, the pre ralence of overweight among adolescents has increased; a similar in¬ crease was reported for adults.6 Because both national surveys employed standard¬ ized equipment and procedures to mea¬ sure height and weight, the increase dur¬ ing 1988-91 probably does not reflect changes in methodology.…”

“…In addition, some adoles-cents change overweight classification with age; most overweight adults were not overweight children. 2 The increase in the prevalence of over¬ weight among adolescents and adults is most likely associated with dietary en¬ ergy intake exceeding caloric expendi¬ ture. Energy intake through food con¬ sumption and energy expenditure through physical activity cannot be mea¬ sured as precisely as height and weight in population surveys.…”

Prevalence of Overweight Among Adolescents—United States, 1988-1991

“…*Functional activities: ability to (1) "see words and letters in ordinary newspaper print," (2) "hear normal conversations," (3) "have speech understood by others," (4) "lift and carry up to 10 pounds (e.g., a full bag of groceries)," (5) "climb a flight of stairs without resting," and (6) "walk one quarter mile." \s=d\ADLs:ability to (1) "get around inside the home"; (2) "get in and out of bed or a chair"; and (3) take a bath or shower, dress, and eat; and 4) get to and use the toilet.…”

“…\s=dd\IADLs:ability to (1) "get around outside the home," (2) "keep track ofmoney and bills," (3) "prepare meals," (4) "do light housework," and (5) "use the telephone." \s=s\Learningdisabilities; mental retardation; other developmental disabilities; and Alzheimer disease, senility, dementia, and other mental or emotional conditions.…”